Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
There are few desserts as nostalgic and cozy as Amish Applesauce Cake. This old-fashioned recipe brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Rich with comforting spices and brimming with rustic charm, it’s the kind of cake that reminds you of a grandma’s kitchen, brimming with love and simple, honest ingredients. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a little taste of tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Amish Applesauce Cake plays a special role in creating its signature flavor and fluffiness. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each item lends something essential to the result, from the applesauce that keeps things moist to the trio of spices that sing with every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and softness for a moist, tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the applesauce to lift the cake and keep it light.
- Baking powder: Ensures a gentle, even rise for a fluffy texture.
- Salt: Brings out the sweetness and enhances all those lovely spices.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of the cake’s cozy flavor profile—don’t skimp!
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle warmth that’s irresistible.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way for that signature spice-cake punch.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, delicate crumb and adds those buttery notes that make cakes sublime.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses richness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything beautifully and lend lightness to the cake.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness, moisture, and a gentle apple flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet backdrop to highlight all the spices.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch for texture and a lovely nuttiness—totally up to your personal preference.
- Raisins (optional): Offer sweet bursts of flavor and a chewy contrast in every bite.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Before you do anything else, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up. While the oven is warming, go ahead and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is essential—it keeps the cake from sticking and helps you achieve those perfect, tidy slices.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined so the spices distribute evenly; you want every single bite of this Amish Applesauce Cake to be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In your largest mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugar. Keep mixing until it’s light and fluffy—this will help create a soft, tender texture. Don’t rush this step, as good creaming sets the stage for a perfect cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The applesauce makes the batter look silky and helps bind everything for that moist, old-fashioned crumb we all love in Amish Applesauce Cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
With a gentle hand, slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is blended and smooth. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake tender.
Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional)
If you’re feeling a little extra, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins. These are completely optional, but they add so much texture and heartiness to an already wonderful Amish Applesauce Cake.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out for even baking. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing—it smells amazing, but patience pays off for that perfect, sliceable crumb.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
This cake is cozy enough to stand on its own, but a little garnish can make it extra special. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze, or a generous swoop of cream cheese frosting. Even a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully if you want to take things over the top.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and homey by serving your Amish Applesauce Cake alongside freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re going all out for a fall spread, crisp apple slices, roasted nuts, or a fruit salad add a refreshing touch and hint of brightness on your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small, bite-sized squares and arranging them on a wooden board for an inviting dessert buffet. Layer individual pieces with cream cheese frosting and sliced apples in mason jars for a rustic trifle. Or, wrap up slices in parchment for a thoughtful homemade gift that sparks pure delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the beauties of Amish Applesauce Cake is how moist it stays! Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake will remain fresh and tender at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week if you like it chilled.
Freezing
If you want to make sure there’s always a little sweetness on standby, wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. It’ll keep happily for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked tenderness, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer it warm. If you’d like to refresh a whole cake, cover loosely with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The spicy aroma alone makes reheating so worth it!
FAQs
Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake without nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! The cake is incredibly moist and flavorful even without them, so feel free to skip nuts and raisins if you prefer, or substitute with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a twist.
Is homemade applesauce best for this recipe?
Homemade applesauce is wonderful for extra apple flavor and less sugar, but store-bought unsweetened applesauce works perfectly too. Just make sure it’s not too watery, or your batter could be thin.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to add a little nuttiness and fiber. Going 100% whole wheat may make the cake a bit heavier, but it’s still delicious and wholesome.
What’s the best frosting for Amish Applesauce Cake?
Cream cheese frosting is always a hit, but a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk is fantastic if you want something lighter. Even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar is beautiful and tasty.
Why did my cake turn out dense instead of fluffy?
This usually happens if the batter was overmixed, or if too much flour was added by accident. Measure your flour carefully (spoon and level is best) and mix until just combined to keep your Amish Applesauce Cake nice and tender.
Final Thoughts
This cozy, spiced Amish Applesauce Cake is pure comfort in a pan and has a way of making any gathering feel a little more special. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with your favorite garnishes, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and those you love to a slice of tradition.
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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that captures the flavors of fall. With warm spices, chunks of nuts and raisins, and a hint of sweetness from applesauce, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix wet ingredients: Cream butter with sugars, add eggs one by one, then mix in applesauce and vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, fold in nuts and raisins if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan, then slice and serve.
Notes
- This cake is great with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting.
- It stays moist for days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
